Now one of the most influential and lavishly drawn fencing manuals of the Middle Ages is available in English for the first time. Halhoffer’s professional fencing manual of 1467 reveals the intricacies of the medieval art of fighting, covering boththe “judicial duel” (an officially sanctioned fight to resolve a legal dispute) and personal combat. In illustrated detail, it provides careful instruction in footwork, avoidance and the ability to judge and manuipulate timing and distance to exploit and enhance the sword’s inherent cutting and thrusting capabilities. In addition, it covers the supplemental skills of grappling, kicking, throwing and disarming an opponent, plus the techniques of mounted combat and unarmoured fighting with the long sword, long knife, pole-axe, dagger, sword and buckler.